Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Christian Vieri is training with Blackburn as he seeks to resurrect his career.

The Italian striker has been without a club since being released by Atalanta in April but has now linked up with the rest of the Rovers squad for the start of pre-season.

Allardyce accepts that he needs to work on his fitness and there is no indication that a deal could be close.

However, the manager has been impressed by the 35-year-old's attitude and is happy to keep his options open.

"He is obviously out of condition compared to the rest of the lads but joining us at this stage of pre-season shows a certain amount of commitment that he wants to try and play football again," Allardyce said on Sky Sports News.

"If he has got that desire and dedication and can adjust to the physical levels of the Premier League at his tender age of 36 then we have got a major player on our hands.

"There is no harm in my point of view in watching his progress and then seeing if there is a situation where we can have him for next season.

"He also has a desire to try and get in the Italy squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."